Different Strategies for Modifying Polycarbonate Membranes to Control Cell Adhesion

Nanoporous polymeric membranes serve many important functions in industry and medicine. However, in the case of direct contact of the membrane with the internal space of living organisms, the membrane itself needs to be modified to achieve the intended effect related to biocompatibility improvement and increase or reduction of cell adhesion. In the present paper, we have conducted an experimental review of ten different chemical modifications of polycarbonate nanoporous membranes, namely coating with polydopamine, dextran, graphene oxide, poly(acrylic acid), polyvinylpyrrolidone, methylated poly(ethylene glycol), or trichloro (3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8,8-tridecafluorooctyl)silane. The modified membranes were subsequently subjected to various analyses, such as scanning electron microscopy, water contact angle measurement, diffusion study with toluidine blue O dye, and finally, cellular adhesion to the membrane’s surface. The results showed that introduced modifications affected the nature of the membranes (hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity) and cell adhesivity, while preserving its separation and diffusion properties in most cases. The presented modification methods can be selected for use depending on the desired properties of the final product and its application.